Driving in Iceland After Dark: How to Plan Safe Evening & Night Drives

Imagine you have just finished a long day exploring the Golden Circle. You’ve seen geysers erupt and stood at the edge of Gullfoss waterfall. Now, you need to get back to your hotel in Reykjavik or reach your next guesthouse on the South Coast. The sun is setting, or perhaps it has been dark since mid-afternoon. How confident do you feel behind the wheel?

Driving in Iceland offers incredible freedom, but it also presents unique challenges once the sun goes down. The experience changes drastically depending on the season. You might face endless twilight in June or absolute darkness in December. Understanding these conditions is key to a safe and enjoyable self-drive holiday.

This guide covers everything you need to know about evening and night drives in Iceland. We will explore the differences between summer and winter nights, specific hazards to watch for, and how to keep yourself and your passengers safe on the road.

The Two Extremes: Midnight Sun vs. Pitch Black

Iceland is a land of contrasts, and nowhere is this more obvious than in the lighting conditions you will face while driving. Your experience renting a car in Iceland in July will be nothing like renting one in January.

The Midnight Sun (Late May to Early August)

During the summer months, true darkness is rare. The sun barely dips below the horizon, creating a state of perpetual twilight or bright daylight at 2:00 AM.

• The Illusion of Energy: Because it doesn't get dark, your body might not produce melatonin, the hormone that makes you sleepy. It is easy to accidentally drive for 14 hours straight because you don't "feel" like it's night.
• Sun Glare: The sun often hangs low on the horizon for hours. This creates intense glare directly in your eyes, especially on east-west roads. Good sunglasses are essential driving gear.
• Traffic: Popular sites remain busy late into the evening because visitors take advantage of the light. Expect other cars on the road even at midnight.

The Dark Winter (Late September to March)

In winter, daylight is a luxury. In December, you might only have 4-5 hours of light.

• Absolute Darkness: Outside of Reykjavik and major towns, there are no streetlights. When we say it is dark, we mean it is pitch black. You are entirely dependent on your headlights.
• Narrow Vision: Your field of vision shrinks to the cone of light in front of you. This makes it harder to anticipate curves or see hazards on the shoulder.
• Weather Illusions: Snow and rain in the dark can be disorienting. High beams can reflect off falling snow, creating a white wall that blinds you.

Crucial Hazards When Driving After Dark

Whether you are chasing Northern Lights or just trying to get to your accommodation, night driving requires heightened awareness.

1. Wildlife on the Road

Sheep are the most common hazard on Icelandic roads. In the summer, they roam free and often sleep on the warm asphalt of the road at night. Their wool is not reflective, making them incredibly difficult to see until you are very close.

• The "lamb rule": If you see a sheep on one side of the road and a lamb on the other, assume the lamb will run across to its mother as soon as you approach.
• Reindeer: In East Iceland, wild reindeer herds are common. They are large, dark animals that blend perfectly into the winter night. Hitting one can total your rental car and cause serious injury.

2. The Fatigue Factor

Fatigue is a silent killer on Icelandic roads. The long distances between towns can be hypnotic.

• Monotony: The Ring Road is beautiful, but long stretches of darkness with no visual stimulation can induce "highway hypnosis."
• Road Noise: Gravel roads require constant concentration. The mental effort of navigating potholes and loose stones in the dark drains your energy faster than driving on paved highways.

3. One-Lane Bridges

Iceland has many single-lane bridges, even on the main Ring Road (Route 1).

• Visibility issues: At night, it can be hard to judge if a car on the other side is closer to the bridge than you are.
• Right of way: The rule is that the car closer to the bridge has the right of way. However, at night, it is always safer to slow down, flash your lights, and wait if you are unsure. Never race to be first.

4. Weather and Road Surface Illusions

Black ice is a major threat when the temperature drops at night. It looks exactly like wet asphalt but offers zero traction.

• Temperature drops: Even in summer, nights can get close to freezing in the highlands or northern areas.
• Fog and Mist: Coastal areas frequently experience sudden fog banks at night, reducing visibility to a few meters instantly.

How to Plan a Safe Night Drive

Preparation is your best defense. When you pick up your vehicle from Holdur Car Rental, take time to familiarize yourself with its lighting systems.

Check Your Lights Before You Leave

Before starting the engine, walk around the car. Check that:

• Low beams and high beams are working.
• Brake lights are functional.
• Indicators are clear.
• Fog lights: Know where the switch is before you need it. Fumbling for a switch while driving into a fog bank at 90 km/h is dangerous.

Adjust Your Speed

The speed limit is a maximum, not a target. The general speed limit on paved rural roads is 90 km/h (56 mph). However, at night, specifically in poor weather, 90 km/h is often too fast.

• Drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance illuminated by your headlights.
• If visibility is poor, drop your speed to 50-70 km/h. It is better to arrive late than not at all.

Use High Beams Correctly

• Use high beams whenever there is no oncoming traffic to maximize visibility.
• Dim them immediately when you see an approaching car or when following another vehicle to avoid blinding other drivers.
• Note on Snow: In heavy snow, switch off high beams. Low beams or fog lights often provide better visibility because they cut under the falling snow rather than reflecting off it.

When NOT to Drive After Dark

There are times when the safest decision is to stay put. At Holdur, we prioritize your safety above all else. We strongly advise against driving at night under these conditions:

1. During a Weather Alert: If the Icelandic Met Office (Vedur.is) issues a Yellow, Orange, or Red warning, do not drive. Wind gusts can blow cars off the road, and visibility can hit zero.
2. In The Highlands: F-roads (mountain roads) are challenging in daylight. At night, with river crossings and rough terrain, they are treacherous. Most insurance policies have strict clauses about river crossings.
3. If You Are Jet-Lagged: Arriving at Keflavik Airport early in the morning or late at night after a long flight? Do not attempt a 4-hour drive to the north. Stay nearby, rest, and pick up your rental car in Iceland when you are fresh.

Confidence-Building Tips for Nervous Drivers

If you are nervous about driving in a new country at night, that is a healthy reaction. It means you are taking safety seriously. Here is how to build confidence:

• Stick to the Ring Road: Route 1 is the best-maintained road. Avoid shortcuts on gravel roads at night.
• Follow the Posts: Most roads in Iceland are lined with yellow reflective posts. These are your lifeline in the dark or snow. As long as you stay between the yellow posts, you are on the road.
• Download the 112 App: This is the Icelandic emergency number. The app allows you to send your GPS location to rescuers with one button press.
• Rent the Right Car: For winter driving, a 4x4 SUV provides better handling and visibility than a small economy car. Ask our Holdur staff for recommendations based on your itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about driving and car rentals in Iceland.

Is it safe to drive in Iceland at night during winter?

It can be safe if you are experienced and cautious, but it carries higher risks. The main dangers are black ice, zero visibility during snowstorms, and fatigue. If the weather forecast predicts storms, avoid driving at night. Always check road.is for real-time conditions before heading out.

Do rental cars in Iceland come with winter tires?

Yes. By law, all vehicles must have winter tires during the colder months (typically November 1st to April 14th). At Holdur Car Rental, we ensure all our vehicles are equipped with high-quality studded tires during winter for maximum traction on icy Icelandic roads.

What should I do if I hit a sheep with my rental car?

Stop safely and check on the animal if possible, but do not endanger yourself. You must report the accident to the police (112) and to the car rental agency. In Iceland, farmers are insured for livestock, but failing to report the incident is illegal.

Are streetlights common on the Ring Road (Route 1)?

No. Streetlights are found only in urban areas like Reykjavik, Akureyri, and smaller towns. The vast majority of the Ring Road is completely unlit. You must rely entirely on your vehicle’s headlights and the reflective road markers.

Can I see the Northern Lights while driving?

You might see them through the window, but never stop on the road to watch them. This is a major cause of accidents. Find a designated parking area, rest stop, or farm driveway to pull over safely. Stopping in the middle of a dark highway is incredibly dangerous.

Is it better to rent a 4x4 or a 2WD for driving in Iceland?

If you are visiting in winter (October to April) or planning to drive in the Westfjords or Highlands, a 4x4 is strongly recommended and sometimes mandatory. For summer trips strictly on the paved Ring Road, a 2WD is usually sufficient, though a 4x4 offers better comfort and safety margins.

How much does gas cost in Iceland?

Effective January 1, 2026, Iceland has introduced a new Road Tax Regulation alongside 30% reduction in fuel prices. This change shifts taxes from fuel prices to a "pay-as-you-use" model, ensuring greater transparency for all customers. To balance the introduction of this tax, the government has removed certain excise duties on fuel, resulting in significant price reductions.

What are the rules for headlights in Iceland?

Icelandic law requires that headlights be turned on at all times, day and night, all year round. Most modern rental cars have automatic running lights, but ensure your rear lights are also on if visibility is poor.

Can I drive off-road in Iceland if I have a jeep?

No. Off-road driving is strictly illegal in Iceland and carries massive fines. It destroys fragile moss and landscapes that take decades to recover. You must stay on marked roads and tracks at all times. "Off-road" driving is not the same as driving on F-roads (rough mountain roads), which is permitted with a 4x4.

Where is the best place to rent a car for a self-drive tour?

Holdur Car Rental is the local Europcar franchisee and the largest car rental company in Iceland. We have rental stations around the country, including Keflavik International Airport and downtown Reykjavik, making it easy to start your self-drive journey wherever you arrive.

 

Conclusion

Driving in Iceland after dark is an adventure that demands respect. Whether you are navigating the endless twilight of a June evening or the deep freeze of a January night, the key is preparation. By understanding the unique conditions of our roads, respecting the weather, and driving a vehicle suited for the terrain, you can ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.

Remember, the goal of your self-drive holiday is to enjoy the spectacular nature of Iceland safely. There is no rush. If the weather turns or night falls heavy, find a warm guesthouse, enjoy a hot chocolate, and wait for the light. The road will be there tomorrow.

Ready to plan your trip? Explore our range of reliable rental vehicles suited for every Icelandic season at Holdur Car Rental.

Search for a car!